Luang Prabang, Laos

I've been to Luang Prabang once about 6 months ago. And I went back simply because you do not forget the beauty of a place like this.

Arriving from Chiang Rai at 5 in the morning, there would already be a few songthaews waiting at the bus terminal. All you need to do is to tell the driver your destination, hop into it and wait for other travellers to fill the songthaews. A ride into town would cost you around 20,000 kips (S$2.50).

I arrived at my guesthouse at around 5.20am in the morning and much to my dismay, the door was closed and no one opened the door even after umpteen times knocking on the door. Fortunately though, there were some chairs outside the guesthouse so I made sure they were put to good use.

Morning Alms Ceremony

Every morning at 5.20am, you will start seeing locals line up along the side of the streets carrying rice baskets for the morning alms ceremony. At around 5.30am, the gong will sound from temples all across town and monks will start walking around the temple in a line to collect their daily alms from the locals.

Morning alms ceremony

Morning alms ceremony

Laos is deeply rooted in Buddhism and this tradition has followed since a long time ago. A really interesting sight to behold, especially for tourists. However, this influx of tourists has also brought about some unruly behaviour. I myself witness some of them: cameras flashing in front of the monks' faces, making a ruckus during the ceremony, one even asked the monks to pose for a photo. DO NOT DO THAT. First thing first, nobody likes a camera flashed in front of your face, even normal people, so why you have to be so rude? Yes, it is intriguing most definitely but that does not give you the right to do this. Also, this ceremony was supposed to be observed under silence, so for those who don't know, now you know. IF YOU WANT TO OBSERVE THIS CEREMONY, please watch from across the road where the monks are not walking, turn off your flashes and stay silent. You have to start respecting others' traditions and cultures, before anyone would start respecting yours.

Royal Palace

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was built in 1904, and the home to King Sisavang Vong, king of Laos during the French colonial period, and his family.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace isn't anything as spectacular as the Grand Palace in Bangkok, or some others elsewhere. That said, it is located in the center of town and holds a piece of history of the place so it's worthy to take a look around.

Opening hours: 0800 - 1130 and 1330 - 1600 (Except Tuesdays)

Kuang Si Waterfall

Kuang Si Waterfall

Getting to Kuang Si Waterfalls was a little bit of a hassle. Located just outside of town, it is not possible to reach by foot, and since this is a must visit for any tourists, songthaews all around town are ready to rip you off. Unless you ride a bike, which I don't, be prepared to haggle with the songthaew drivers until either of you budge.

With a little bit of Lao I learnt from the previous few times I was here, I managed to score a return ride for 120,000 kips (S$15), but I had wait for the driver to attempt to pick up a few more passengers before I could leave for the falls. I've heard of people getting there for cheaper and a lot who got there for heftier prices. Up to your haggling skills, I suppose.

Entrance to the falls is 20,000 kips (S$2.50) but it was worth every penny. The falls are magnificent, and although they aren't as big as some that you see around the world, it has its own charms.

Kuang Si Waterfall

The place is picturesque at every angle and you'll be able to jump into the lower cascades to enjoy the cold running water, although it's constantly filled with tourists who are aiming at the same. Do not wear bikinis here. There is an obvious sign that says this, but judging by the amount of people who disrespect the sign, I can only stress that Laos is still a conservative Buddhist country and revealing your body too much is much frowned upon. Do yourself and the locals a favour by covering up.

Also, there is a route up to the top of the falls by the side. You can try climbing up to the top but there's nothing there, and it's not the easiest climb you'll ever get. So unless you're planning to get yourself all sweaty and tired, you can skip it.

There's also a bear sanctuary here that houses the bears they manage to capture from illegal animal traders. A bonus besides the falls.

Luang Prabang Night Market

Luang Prabang Night Market

Starting from around 6pm in the evening, the main tourist stretch of Luang Prabang gets converted into a long stretch of night market, selling things from singlets to bags to tea. It is not unlike other night markets in Southeast Asia. Bargaining is a must, just like anywhere else. Probably the only place opened at night too.

Sunset by the Mekong

Sunsets in Luang Prabang are also one of the prettiest I've seen anywhere. Some have recommended Mount Phousi, which at the top houses a temple to view the sunset from. Entrance to Mount Phousi will cost you 20,000 kips ($S2.50). I found a small path by the Mekong River and witnessed the sunset by the river, which was in its own sense equally spectacular. There are also plenty of sunset restaurants by the river so you can walk around and choose one to view your sunset over a bottle of BeerLao.